12/15/2025
Management vs. Training — what’s the difference? 🤔
These two terms get used interchangeably in dog training, but they are not the same.
Management is about controlling the environment so unwanted behaviors don’t happen in the first place. This might look like using gates, crates, leashes, or distance to prevent jumping, chewing, counter surfing, or over-arousal. Management is immediate and keeps dogs (and humans) safe!
Training is about teaching your dog what to do instead. Through repetition and reinforcement, dogs learn behaviors like sit, settle, leave it, and recall. Training takes time, but it creates long-term behavior change.
Here’s the key part:
👉 Management prevents rehearsal of unwanted behavior.
👉 Training builds the behaviors you want to see more of.
The most effective dog training plans use both. Management supports learning, and training makes management less necessary over time.
That being said, it is also okay to JUST use management in situations when you feel you need it! As a busy parent, management is essential to both your success and the success of your dog and baby or toddler!
Have questions? We’ve got answers to help support you through this journey!
Send us a DM today and we will help connect you with the right resources to help!! 🐶
